Indian Railways overhauls signalling system to boost safety
RAILWAYS & METRO RAIL

Indian Railways overhauls signalling system to boost safety

The railway authorities are set to implement a new automated electronic routing and signaling system across their extensive network in response to the three-train crash in Balasore in June. This move aims to eradicate human errors from the system.

According to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the national transportation entity has initiated preliminary trials on solid-state electronic route relay devices and signals. The plan is to establish this technology as the standard within the next 10-11 months.

Vaishnaw emphasised that this technological shift would significantly reduce the likelihood of accidents resulting from human errors and signaling failures. The ongoing efforts in this direction have shown promising results, according to Vaishnaw.

The transition to these new standards will be integrated into the railways' overall upgrade initiatives. As part of routine maintenance, the railways regularly replaces relays at the end of their lifespan. The plan is to replace them with direct drives during these scheduled upgrades.

Currently relying on an electro-mechanical network to manage signaling systems, Indian Railways anticipates completing the shift to solid-state electronic route relay devices controlling signals over a span of three years.

To expedite the process, the railways intend to implement this switch on a mission mode, aiming to equip almost the entire network of 8,000 stations with electronic interlocking signals featuring solid-state relays.

Electronic interlocking (EI) is a critical safety mechanism managing train movements at railway stations and junctions. Unlike traditional relay-based systems, EI employs computer-based technology to synchronise signals, switches, and level-crossing gates, ensuring seamless train operations.

The decision to make this technological leap follows the tragic collision in Balasore, Odisha. Initial investigations by the Commissioner of Railway Security (CRS) pointed to both human error and faulty signaling as contributing factors to the incident, which claimed the lives of 294 individuals.

The railway authorities are set to implement a new automated electronic routing and signaling system across their extensive network in response to the three-train crash in Balasore in June. This move aims to eradicate human errors from the system. According to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the national transportation entity has initiated preliminary trials on solid-state electronic route relay devices and signals. The plan is to establish this technology as the standard within the next 10-11 months. Vaishnaw emphasised that this technological shift would significantly reduce the likelihood of accidents resulting from human errors and signaling failures. The ongoing efforts in this direction have shown promising results, according to Vaishnaw. The transition to these new standards will be integrated into the railways' overall upgrade initiatives. As part of routine maintenance, the railways regularly replaces relays at the end of their lifespan. The plan is to replace them with direct drives during these scheduled upgrades. Currently relying on an electro-mechanical network to manage signaling systems, Indian Railways anticipates completing the shift to solid-state electronic route relay devices controlling signals over a span of three years. To expedite the process, the railways intend to implement this switch on a mission mode, aiming to equip almost the entire network of 8,000 stations with electronic interlocking signals featuring solid-state relays. Electronic interlocking (EI) is a critical safety mechanism managing train movements at railway stations and junctions. Unlike traditional relay-based systems, EI employs computer-based technology to synchronise signals, switches, and level-crossing gates, ensuring seamless train operations. The decision to make this technological leap follows the tragic collision in Balasore, Odisha. Initial investigations by the Commissioner of Railway Security (CRS) pointed to both human error and faulty signaling as contributing factors to the incident, which claimed the lives of 294 individuals.

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

ADB Approves $200 Mn Loan to Strengthen Kolkata’s Infrastructure

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $200-million loan to support the development of climate- and disaster-resilient sewerage and drainage infrastructure in Kolkata. The initiative aims to enhance the city's livability, particularly benefiting vulnerable populations, including women and children. This project is part of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation Sustainability, Hygiene, and Resilience (Sector) Project, which seeks to improve sanitation, urban flood management, and overall public health outcomes. Kolkata, one of India’s most densely populated cities, struggles with inadequ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Mahanadi Waterfront Project to Transform Cuttack’s Riverfront

The State government, in collaboration with urban development authorities and environmental experts, has announced the conceptualization of the Mahanadi Waterfront Project, a landmark initiative aimed at revitalising the riverfront while promoting ecological conservation and urban development. This transformative project will enhance the quality of life for residents, boost tourism, and preserve the river’s cultural, historical, and environmental heritage. A high-level meeting was convened at Kharabela Bhawan, chaired by Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, Minister of Housing and Urban Developme..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Kolkata Metro Introduces Multi-Ticket QR System

Starting February 28, Kolkata Metro Railway will allow commuters to purchase multiple paper-based QR tickets in a single transaction across all lines except the Purple Line (Joka-Majerhat). Until now, passengers could buy only one ticket per transaction, often leading to long queues and increased waiting times. The new system enables the purchase of up to seven tickets in one go, significantly improving ticketing efficiency and commuter convenience. The service will be available on the following lines: Blue Line (Dakshineswar-New Garia) Orange Line (New Garia-Ruby Crossing) Green Line (How..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?